Salmonella -A Diversified Superbug 376 Ongoing research to clarify the bidirectional communication between the immune and central nervous systemshas in part been carried out byproducing electrolytic or pharmacologic lesions in several areas of the brain, such basal ganglia, striatum, hypothalamus, hippocampus and thalamus, and then observing the resulting immune response. This approach has been used in our recent studies (Campos-Rodriguez, Quintanar-Stephano et al. 2006; Rivera-Aguilar,

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... a et al. 2008; Quintanar-Stephano, Abarca-Rojano et al. 2010) to observe the effect of brain lesions on the immune response to Salmonella and one of its main components, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). It has been found that brain lesions modify the number and functions of lymphocytes in the spleen, thymus and blood (Jankovic and Isakovic 1973; Payan, McGillis et al. 1986 ). The aim of this chapter is to describe the effects of CNS lesions on the immune response to Salmonella. The mechanisms are explored by which these lesions affect the systemic and intestinal immune responses. Since the production of intestinal IgAis fundamental in the protection against Salmonella invasion, an evaluation is made of the role of neurotransmitters, glucocorticoids and neuroendocrine molecules in the regulation of such production.